Experts discuss SCP’s landmark decision about Margalla Hills National Park

ISLAMABAD, Jun 22 (APP):Environmental leaders, policymakers, conservationists, and legal experts convened in a high-level webinar to discuss the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s landmark decision concerning Margalla Hills National Park and the implications of the ongoing review petition before the Federal Constitutional Court.

The discussion underscored the urgent need to safeguard one of Pakistan’s most significant ecological assets while ensuring that environmental laws and land-use regulations are effectively implemented, said a press release.

Organised by Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan) here on Monday, the webinar focused on three critical aspects of the Supreme Court’s ruling: the protection and conservation of the environment, addressing environmental pollution, and tackling encroachments within Margalla Hills National Park. Participants emphasized that the case represents a defining moment for environmental governance in Pakistan and carries broader implications for conservation policy and constitutional jurisprudence.

Among the distinguished speakers were former Advisor to the Prime Minister on Environment and Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam Khan, Director General of WWF-Pakistan Hammad Naqi Khan, former Director General Pak-EPA and environmental expert Asif Shuja Khan, Shakir Toor, Dr. Pervez Hassan, Dr Amir Haider, environmental advocacy expert Ali Jabir, Naseer Gilani, former CDA’s Director General Dr Sarwar Sandhu, Executive Director Devcom-Pakistan Munir Ahmed and several other environmental experts and advocates.

Opening the discussion, participants highlighted the unique status of Margalla Hills National Park as an urban national park that serves as the “lungs of Islamabad.” Situated at the intersection of a rapidly growing urban landscape and a sensitive ecological zone, the park plays a critical role in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, air quality improvement, and public recreation. However, speakers noted that the park continues to face mounting pressures from unsustainable development, commercial interests, and unauthorized construction activities. Concerns were also raised regarding the ongoing review petition before the Federal Constitutional Court, with speakers stressing the need to preserve the legal and environmental gains achieved through the original judgment.

They opined that the Federal Constitutional Court shall consider strengthening the implementation of the Supreme Court of Pakistan decision in letter and spirit.

Malik Amin Aslam Khan reflected on the significance of the Supreme Court’s decision, which reaffirmed the importance of environmental protection and called for the removal of illegal encroachments and activities that threaten the integrity of the national park. He also discussed concerns related to environmental pollution and inadequate management of facilities operating within and around the protected area.

He emphasized the importance of improving waste management systems and ensuring that commercial activities do not compromise the ecological character of the park. Environmental degradation, unmanaged waste disposal, and poorly regulated infrastructure were identified as growing threats to wildlife and ecosystem health.

Speaking on behalf of WWF-Pakistan, Hammad Naqi Khan outlined the organization’s role in advocating for the demarcation of park boundaries and the removal of encroachments. He emphasized that effective implementation remains a major challenge despite the clarity of the court’s ruling. Hammad highlighted the ecological significance of the park, noting that it provides habitat for a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including approximately 40 percent of Pakistan’s documented bird species as well as iconic species such as the common leopard.

Hammad Naqi Khan reiterated WWF-Pakistan’s commitment to supporting implementation of the Supreme Court’s decision through the removal of encroachments, restoration of degraded areas, and mobilization of resources for rewilding initiatives. He also called for enhanced coordination with the Survey of Pakistan and remote sensing and GIS experts to ensure accurate demarcation of park boundaries.

Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director Munir Ahmed mentioned that the future of Margalla Hills National Park depends on decisive action, strong institutional coordination, and unwavering commitment to conservation principles. The webinar concluded with a collective call for citizens, policymakers, and stakeholders to support efforts aimed at preserving this irreplaceable natural heritage for future generations.

A key focus of the webinar was the need for clear and enforceable land-use regulations. Speakers examined ongoing debates regarding permissible structures and activities within the national park, including restaurants, tourism facilities, and other developments. Experts stressed that any activity within the protected area must align with the approved master plan and conservation objectives. They cautioned against amendments or interpretations that could undermine the park’s protected status or create opportunities for misuse.

Participants also discussed the critical role of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board, the Capital Development Authority, and other regulatory institutions in ensuring compliance with environmental laws and implementing the national park’s master plan. Stronger coordination between government agencies, conservation organizations, and technical experts was identified as essential for achieving long-term conservation goals.

The webinar concluded with a set of recommendations and next steps aimed at strengthening protection efforts for Margalla Hills National Park. Asif Shuja Khan commented for raising the issue of land use and development in Margalla Hills at the highest policy levels, including before the National Assembly’s Standing Committee, to seek clarity regarding permissible structures and activities within the protected area.

Dr. Sarwar Sandhu emphasized the need for strict implementation of the park’s master plan, ensuring that all activities, including limited commercial operations such as restaurants, remain consistent with approved land-use guidelines.

Naseer Gilani advocated for greater alignment between environmental policy and implementation, emphasizing the need to address inconsistencies in land-use planning and prevent misuse of planning provisions and amendments.